Peer Support Specialist

University Staff (non-classified) position within the CU College of Nursing’s grant-funded Recovery Coach Doula Program, supporting midwifery faculty practices across the Denver metro area. This hybrid role is based at Sheridan Health Services, a nurse-managed federally qualified community health center serving a diverse, primarily Latinx population in southwest Denver.

About the role

The Peer Support Specialist will deliver peer-led interventions for pregnant and postpartum clients with substance use disorder, combining recovery coaching with doula support. The position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, community outreach, and accurate documentation in electronic health records.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support and motivational interviewing to help clients identify goals and develop action plans (75% of role).
• Mentor clients through guidance, education, and encouragement to facilitate personal growth.
• Conduct community outreach to engage pregnant and postpartum clients with substance use disorder.
• Assist clients in navigating community resources and services that support recovery and well-being.
• Maintain a resource repository, track utilization, and communicate needs to leadership.
• Coordinate with supervisor and team to ensure successful service delivery.
• Attend training, team meetings, and events as required.
• Identify and resolve challenges in service coordination with the team.
• Ensure confidentiality of client health information in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans.
• Provide doula support during client labor admission.
• Deliver excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders, including clients referred from parole/probation, social services, and other agencies (15% of role).
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in electronic health systems and schedule appointments (10% of role).

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of 60 hours of COPA- or NAADAC-approved peer support specialist training (proof required).
• One year of direct experience as a peer support specialist/recovery coach.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Active participation in a recovery/wellness process with at least two years of continuous participation.
• Willingness to obtain Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) or National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) certification within one year of hire (fee covered by employer).
• Willingness to work some evenings, weekends, and in client care environments with exposure to biological hazards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience connecting clients to internal and external services/resources.
• Experience working with pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use disorder.
• Experience using motivational interviewing techniques.
• Experience with clients involved in criminal justice, probation/parole, or human services systems.
• Experience with electronic health records.

Skills

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain positive relationships with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of therapeutic confrontation and clinical systems.
• Nonjudgmental, open-minded approach with strong boundary-setting skills.
• Ability to comply with policies, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to multitask in high-pressure environments.
• Knowledge of care coordination, medical/community resources, and basic documentation skills.

Benefits

• Medical and dental plans (multiple options).
• Disability, life, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with 10% employer contribution.
• Paid time off: 22 vacation days/year (max accrual 352 hours), 15 sick days/year (unlimited accrual), 15 holidays/year.
• Tuition benefit for employees across all CU campuses.
• ECO Pass for reduced-rate RTD bus and light rail service.
• Additional perks and programs through CU Advantage.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $44,256 to $51,341. Overtime eligibility may apply depending on the level.

Schedule

• Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• May require occasional evenings, weekends, or Saturdays/Sundays for events or clinic coverage.
• Hybrid schedule: Three days per week on campus (Sheridan Health Services) and as needed for in-person meetings.